WORRIED ABOUT USING CLOUDWARE? WE ADDRESS THE MOST COMMON CONCERNS FOR BUSINESSES

Despite the benefits it offers to the business world, some people still don’t trust cloud technology. This article seeks to set their minds at ease!

Business cloud services or applications simply known as Cloudware is revolutionising the way businesses utilise software across their network. By simply subscribing to a software package on a remote web server, as opposed to purchasing a hard copy, users are treated to a convenient and constantly up-to-date product. Unfortunately, many myths and mistruths are attached to the relatively new technology which has meant some businesses are hesitant to make the switch to cloudware. So, to help you and your business feel a little more comfortable with cloudware, we’ve outlined five of the most common myths and why they should be ignored.

THE CLOUD ISN’T SAFE

This, strictly, is neither true nor false. In general, good cloudware providers will have extensive security measures in place to keep your data completely safe. Importantly there is still a two-way relationship with your cloudware provider, and you should not just assume the data will be safe. Instead, to maximise protection you should safeguard your data within your business using appropriate security measures and choose a cloudware provider who makes a point of security as part of their proposition. Of course cloudware removes some of the burden from your own business, as you are no longer solely responsible for security, which will be a relief to many who perhaps have little more than a lock on a door to keep IT services safe!

I DON’T FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH THE CLOUD LOOKING AT MY DATA

As can be seen above, security is incredibly important for businesses. However, in part due to the sheer amount uploaded to the Cloud, and in part due to the confidentiality of the agreement, the Cloud will not access your data. And cloud vendors certainly won’t sell this data to third-parties. In general, data is far more likely to be threatened by a business’s own employees, as seen with the high profile Edward Snowden case. However, to be absolutely assured your data is safe in the Cloud, there is no harm in encrypting your information before uploading it, as this website suggests.

THE CLOUD IS CHEAPER

Cloud software may at first appear cheaper in terms of initial cost, but additional costs encountered when adding to your capacity or the services you receive can often end in expensive results. If carefully monitored, however, the Cloud is often more cost effective. Low delivery costs mean providers can offer services to customers inexpensively, and the ability to turn idle equipment off when not in use as opposed to having to host your data in an expensive, independent environment means cloudware is more convenient for the typical small business. In addition, you no longer need to devote time and money to housing and updating your own IT equipment and infrastructure, if this is how you previously backed up your data. With this in mind, using the Cloud can be the cheaper option, provided you’re tuned in to your running costs, but it’s also much less hassle than the alternatives.

THE CLOUD IS BAD FOR JOBS

There is an ethical argument that, by using more automated software that’s centred around the Cloud, people’s jobs are at risk. However, this is not true. It is suggested that, due to the need for technological experts to operate the providers, cloudware will in fact be creating millions of jobs in the coming years, particularly in terms of creating the software and the subsequent updates your business will be using. Further, using cloud-based web conferencing software is far more environmentally friendly than transporting a number of employees to a conference, so you can use cloudware and rest assured your morals are still in tact.

WHY SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT BIG DATA?

Debunked nicely in this article from Rackspace,if not already, businesses should be concerned about the level of information stored in their software which isn’t properly backed up. Cloudware packages help protect this before your own system is damaged or rendered ineffective.

Overall, different cloudware vendors offer very different services. Some may not be relevant for your business, but this, and not the above concerns, should ultimately be what influences your decision to adopt cloudware. The sooner you do, the more likely you are to realise your initial concerns about adapting to a new technology were perhaps a little wide-of-the-mark!